I wish my love was a red, red rose growing in yon garden fair And I to be the gardener, of her I would take care There's not a month throughout the year, that my love I'd renew I'd garnish her with flowers fine, sweet William, Thyme and Rue
I wish I was a butterfly, I'd light on my love's breast And if I was a blue cuckoo, I'd sing my love to rest And if I was a nightingale, I'd sing the daylight clear I'd sit and sing for you, Molly, for once I loved you dear
I wish I was in Dublin town and seated on the grass In my right hand, a jug of punch, and on my knee, a lass I'd call for liquor freely and I'd pay before I'd go I'd roll my Molly in my arms, let the wind blow high or low